TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS

When we last left off with our favorite crime-fighting reptiles after 2014’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, they had just saved their beloved city from Shredder. In “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows”, they are still living in-hiding, away from the public and the possible negative reaction they may have to their appearance. Shredder is incarcerated and the arrangement they made with Vernon Fenwick to take the credit for their heroics is still standing. However, April O’Neil is investigating a famous scientist named Baxter Stockman and her clues lead her towards an evil plan to break Shredder out of his prison transport. The turtles are alerted just in time, but their efforts are beaten by a teleportation device, which sends Shredder to a face-to-face introduction with Krang. He then explains there are 3 pieces of a multi-dimensional teleportation device that are hidden on Earth and he has tasked Shredder with finding them and assembling them; bringing Krang and his warship to Earth and taking over the World. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles must come-together in the face of adversity to not only saved their beloved New York City, but also the World.

Our four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael, are back and are voiced-by Noel Fisher, Jeremy Howard, Pete Ploszek, and Alan Ritchson. Megan Fox returns as their confidant, April O’Neil. Will Arnett is back as the arrogant Vernon “The Falcon” Fenwick. Laura Linney plays newcomer Chief of Police, Chief Vincent. Another newcomer to the franchise (though not to fans) is Casey Jones, who is played by Stephen Amell. Tyler Perry plays the mad scientist with an annoying laugh who’s responsible for building the device, Baxter Stockman. Brian Tee returns as the Turtle’s nemesis, Shredder. Shredder’s tow henchmen, Rocksteady and Bebop, are played by Stephen Farrelly (Sheamus the WWE Champion) and Gary Anthony Williams. Peter Donald Badalamenti II stands-as Splinter, while Tony Shalhoub voices him. Brad Garrett voices the evil Krang.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” builds-on the successes and fixes some of the flaws from the first film, while adding more characters and fan-favorite story elements; keeping you entertained back like when you were a child! The voice-actors deliver their lines in a fun style, one certainly aimed-towards kids but it works. The film also has a number of impressive but CGI-heavy action sequences. While they are entertaining, there aren’t many “memorable” moments in them and the heavy use of computer imagery begins to wear thin. One major success of the film however is the elements of the story. Fan-favorite characters such as Krang and Casey Jones are added to the franchise in this installment, whetting our childhood appetites. However, the story also has some notable plot holes, which left me wondering long-after I left the theater. But the point of the film is not to be perfect, it’s to serve as entertainment thrill-ride that if for the whole family; and it does not disappoint! “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” has a run time of 112 minutes and carries-the-fun from start to finish. It’s a massive improvement-on the first film (possibly because of a new director, Dave Green) and it certainly has a bright future! Who doesn’t want to see more Turtle Power!

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” squares-off New York’s crime-fighting Turtles against a new (but familiar to the fans) foe. The film features plenty of humor, action sequences, and Turtle Power! If you are headed to the movies with the family this weekend, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” is sure to please them all!!

3.5/5

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, in theaters June 3rd!